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Post 62 essay winners thankful for their freedoms

PUNXSUTAWNEY — The John Jacob Fisher American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 recently sponsored an essay contest titled “What Freedom Do I Enjoy Most?” Two hundred eighteen students from the Punxsutawney Area schools, SS.C.D. School and the Punxsutawney Christian School submitted essays.

Fourteen winners were chosen by Unit 62, and five first-place winners were sent on to the American Legion Auxiliary Council for further judging.

There were two local first-place winners at the Council level — Allison Ishman, PAHS, Grade 8 and Alexis Hartman, PAHS, Grade 9 — and one second-place winner — Haley Hartman, PAHS, Grade 11.

The two first-place Council winners will be sent on to be judged at the state level.

The contest was broken down by grade levels.

• Class I: Grades 3 & 4

First place: Sara Alzuhaili, West End, Grade 3;

Second place: Giselle Hickox, West End, Grade 3.

• Class II: Grades 5 & 6

First place: Emily Griebel, SS.C.D., Grade 6;

Second place: Elizabeth Stello, SS.C.D., Grade 5;

Third place: Emmet Jamieson, PAMS, Grade 5.

• Class III: Grades 7 & 8

First place: Ishman, PAHS, Grade 8;

Second place: Kaitlin Doverspike, SS.C.D., Grade 7;

Third place: Devin Kelly, PAHS, Grade 8.

• Class IV: Grades 9 &10

First place: Martin, PAHS, Grade 9;

Second place: Sadie Plyler, PCS, Grade 9;

Third place: Carter Lellock, PAHS, Grade 9.

• Class V: Grades 11 & 12

First place: Hartman, PAHS, Grade 11;

Second place: John Gigliotti, PAHS, Grade 11;

Third place: Heather Giavedoni, PAHS, Grade 12.

Each winner received a certificate and a monetary award from Unit 62, and the three winners at Council level received monetary awards from Council, as well.

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 would like to thank all of the students who submitted essays and all of the teachers who allowed the students extra credit for writing the essays.

“We are proud to be able to sponsor this essay contest each year,” the unit said.